On January 15, 1800 high school students—35 from Loomis Chaffee—traveled to New Haven, Connecticut to participate in the 52nd year of Yale Model United Nations. Stretching from Friday to Monday, students were placed on several different committees themed in very different ways. From ‘Crisis’ committee themes centering around The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, SpongeBob and Conclave, to UNESCO, UNICEF, and UN Women, Yale Model United Nations gave Loomis students a number of diverse opportunities to explore.

“I was more nervous about speaking up at conferences, especially because I was new, but as the days went on, people got more comfortable talking,” stated junior Anna Lim. 

Yale Model United Nations incorporated unmoderated caucuses, which allows delegates unstructured time to discuss ideas. “I could talk to people who had the same ideas and goals,” said Lim ’27. This helped with the delegates’ confidence and collaboration skills throughout the committee, letting newer delegates leave with confidence and more experience under their belts.

There are also head delegates for each Model United Nations Conference from Loomis. Head delegates keep track of a cohort, whether it is helping someone that is newer to MUN, making people feel more confident, or making sure a sick student gets help. Head delegate Lilly Oslin ’26 stated, “You always need to make sure everyone is present, safe and check in on everyone…You just have to really balance having fun and doing your work as a delegate, but also just checking in on people and making sure that they’re safe, that they’re enjoying their time.” 

Beyond committee sessions, Yale Model United Nations offers something called Yale Day. Yale Day is a break from formal debate that allows delegates to explore Yale University’s campus and surrounding New Haven area. Students are given the opportunity to attend college lectures with renowned Yale professors, take formal tours of the campus, and attend shows and performances. Yale Day is also a great opportunity for delegates to spend time together outside of committee and meet new people.

Overall, Loomis had very successful results in Yale MUN this year, with delegates earning two Best Delegate awards, one Outstanding Delegate award, four Honorable Mentions, and three Best Position Paper awards.